After surplus revenue report, Walz seeks budget breakthrough

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he expects legislative leaders to “come together” to pass a new two-year budget — after the state gained $1.8 billion more in tax revenues than previously projected.

The Minnesota Management and Budget department reported that net general fund revenues totaled $3.3 billion in May.

Net receipts from individual income, sales, and corporate taxes for the month exceeded the forecast, while other revenues matched the forecast.

Officials say a delay in the tax filing deadline contributed to the variance.

Walz says he hopes lawmakers can get their work done during a special session that he will call for Monday, which could last several days.

Failure to complete the $52 billion, two-year budget would lead to at least a partial state government shutdown starting July 1.

The governor spoke to reporters a few hours after the Capitol reopened to the public for the first time in over 400 days.

(Some from AP)